Process for preparing certain 2-iminothiazolidines

ABSTRACT

Process for preparing certain 2-imino-thiazolidines which comprises reacting certain aziridines with thiourea or thiocyanic acid.

United States Patent 1 Baklien et al.

[ Sept. 18, 1973 PROCESS FOR PREPARING CERTAIN Z-IMINOTHIAZOLIDINES [75] lnventors: Asbjorn Baklien, Kingsbury,

Victoria; Jan Kolm, Kew, Victoria, both of Australia [73] Assignee: ICI Australia Limited, Melbourne,

Victoria, Australia [22] Filed: July 14, 1966 [21] Appl. No.: 565,092

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data July l9, i965 Australia r. 61653/65 [52] US. Cl. 260/306.7, 260/239 E, 260/294.8 C,

260/294.8 D, 260/296 R, 260/302 H, 260/329 AM, 260/347.7, 260/454, 260/501.l4,

260/564 C, 424/244, 424/263, 424/270 [51] Int. Cl C07d 91/18 [58] Field of Search 260/306.7, 294.8 D

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,297,708 1/1967 Garbor et al. 260/306.7

Primary ExaminerRichard J. Gallagher Attorney-Cushman, Darby & Cushman [57] ABSTRACT 21 Claims, No Drawings PROCESS FOR PREPARING CERTAIN 2-IMINOTHIAZOLIDINES This invention relates to a new process for making chemical compounds which are useful as intermediates to biologically active compounds and/or which are themselves biologically active. It also relates to new and useful chemical compounds. One particular biological activity is the anthelmintic effect of the products of these processes.

It has been demonstrated in South African Patent application No. 2467/65 that certain imidazo(2,lb)thiazoles including those having the formula ods of use in combating undesired animal pests and diseases and certain processes of manufacturing the compounds have also been claimed and disclosed in said patent application.

We have now discovered a process by which these and other compounds and certain intermediates useful for their synthesis may be manufactured.

Accordingly we provide a process comprising reacting a compound of the formula CHR R-(|)H-CH -N CHR (Formula I) with a compound of the formula A HS ND (Formula II) to produce a compound of the formula (Formula III) wherein X is hydroxy, acyloxy or hydrogen; A stands for NH and D stands for hydrogen or both substituents A and -D are absent; R, R and R", which may be the same or different, may be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl and R may be substituted by a substituent which is non-reactive with the aziridine ring and which is halogen, nitro, acylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio and wherein R furthermore may be a fiveor six-membered heterocyclic radical having N, S or O in the ring and wherein R" is hydrogen whenever R is hydrogen (Reaction 1). Typical acyloxy groups are acetoxy, propionoxy, butyroxy.

The process is of particular interest in respect of certain valuable compounds for which, as far as we know, no synthesis of comparable simplicity is known; accordingly a preferred process is characterised in that R stands for phenyl, halophenyl, nitrophenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, naphthyl, alkoxyphenyl, alkylthiophenyl, arylthiophenyl, methyl, ethyl, benzyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, phenoxymethyl, phenylthiomethyl, 2-thienyl, 4-pyridyl and Z-furyl; R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl; R" is hydrogen or, whenever R is a substituent other than hydrogen R may also be alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl; and

A HS JJND is thiocyanic acid or isothiourea. While we consider that the latter is in this isomeric form symbolised by the formula when entering in the nucleophilic attack on the aziridine ring, it will be understood that the reagent actually added is thiourea and changes to its tautomeric form in the reaction medium. Throughout this specification the terms thiourea and isothiourea are therefore used interchangeably. It is also obvious that the thiocyanic acid may be generated in situ from its salts, particularly sodium or potassium thiocyanate and a suitable acid. Our process is particularly useful for the manufacture of compounds of formula III wherein R stands for phenyl, 2- or 3- or 4-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4- fluorophenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 4- nitrophenyl, 4-tolyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,3,4- trichlorophenyl, benzyl, phenoxymethy'l, phenylthiomethyl, Z-thienyl and 2-furyl and R and R are hydrogen.

Reaction l is conveniently carried out in water or in a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent, in the presence of an acid. Alternatively it may also be carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of an acid which in the medium is capable of acting as a proton donor. Suitable organic solvents are e.g., lower alcohols or acetone, dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide and sulpholane. Suitable acids are e.g., sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, p-toluene-sulphonic, phosphoric, formic, acetic, maleic, thiocyanic and oxalic acids. Excess acid, i.e. acid in excess of that required to neutralise the bases formed is preferred; two to three mole equivalents per mole of CHR R.CH.CH,.:

2: CIIR" are satisfactory; 0.1 to 0.5 mole excess acid is preferred. Reactant ratios are not highly critical, but a slight excess of thiourea or thiocyanic acid respectively is preferred.

Reaction temperature for the overall reaction 1 is not narrowly critical; it varies somewhat from thiocyanic acid to thiourea and also depends on the nature of substituents R and R". Thus the ring-closure with thiocyanic acid occurs already at room temperature, but elevated temperatures are required with thiourea. In general best results are obtained by maintaining the temperature between l and 50C over an initial period of to 60 minutes, followed by heating to between 60 and 180C for a period from V4 to 5 hours, preferably from V4 to 2 hours when thiocyanic acid is used and from 2 to 4 hours when thiourea is used. Higher and lower temperatures are feasible. We have isolated an intermediate in this process; hence, while we do not wish to be limited by theory, we consider that the reaction occurs in two steps; in the first step an intermediate salt is formed, namely an isothiouronium salt as exemplified in Example 32 method A whenever thiourea is used, and a thiocyanate salt of the formula whenever thiocyanic acid is used; in the second step said intermediate salt is cyclised to the thiazolidine ring. In the case of the isothio-uronium salt the intermediate salt may be isolated if desired and the two steps may be carried out separately, whereas the thiocyanate salt ring-closes more rapidly. Temperature conditions are virtually the same as when the reaction is carried out in one step; temperatures from -lO to 50C, preferably-from 5 to 30Cand reaction times from 5 to 60 minutes are used for the 1st step, the salt formation. Temperatures from 60 to 180C are used for the second step, the ring closure; temperatures from 80 to 120C maintained over 2-4 hours are preferred when thiourea is used, but operation above and below these temperatures is possible. In aqueous or aqueous organic media no large improvements in yield are obtained above 120C.

Accordingly we also provide a process which comprises reacting a compound of formula 1 with thiourea at atemperature from to 50C, and preferably from 5 to 30C to produce the salt of a compound of the formula NH RI) H.CH;.NH.C HR.CHR".SC\

(Formula IV) wherein R, R and R" are as defined on page 4, lines 5-9 and X is hydroxy, acyloxy or hydrogen (Reaction la). Two equivalents of acid e.g., 2 HCl are bound. Suitable reaction media are as for overall reaction 1, namely water, mixed aqueous organic or an organic solvent by itself in the presence of an acid as defined.

Furthermore we provide a process which comprises ring closing a compound of formula IV at a temperature from 60 to 180C, preferably from 80 to 120C (Reaction lb).

If desired the ring closure step may also be carried out in a medium different from that used in the formation of the isothiouronium salt e.g., in an organic solvent having a boiling point between 120 and 180C, such as ethylene glycol monoacetate.

The preferred method of carrying out reaction 1 is in a single step. If in reaction 1 an acid other than the relatively strong acids listed above is used, the acidity should be adjusted to give a pH meter reading between 1 and 3.6.

The compounds of formula III may be isolated from the solvent e.g., water or alcohol, as the salt by evaporation, crystallisation or precipitation. We have found that the thiocyanic acid salt of compound 111 is sparingly soluble in water and in most organic solvents; the thiocyanic acid salt may be formed by adding, in reaction 1, slightly more than two equivalents of thiocyanic acid, when the latter is the reactant according to formula ll, or by addition of one equivalent of thiocyanic acid to the salt of formula 111 after the reaction had been completed. The thiocyanate precipitates and can then be separated conveniently; when conversion to the hydrochloride salt is desired, the thiocyanate may be dried and suspended in a non-aqueous inert liquid, e.g., isopropanol and reacted with dry hydrogen chloride. The hydrochloride is obtained in high purity. Accordingly a preferred process comprises precipitating compound Ill as the thiocyanate. A further method of isolating compound ill from aqueous media comprises forming its base by neutralising the medium to a pH of 10 to 13, extracting the base with a first waterimmiscible organic solvent, e.g., chloroform, removing water from the extract, adding to the extract a second solvent which is hydrophilic and miscible with the first solvent e.g., ethanol, mixing, forming the hydrochloride by adding dry hydrogen chloride and separating the hydrochloride of compound 11].

Compounds of formula 111 are useful as intermediates for the manufacture of anthelmintics, particularly the anthelmintics according to South African Pat. application No. 2467/65 of the formula of page 2, line 9. Many compounds of formula III are themselves useful as anthelmintics, insecticides or tickicides. The anthelmintic activity of the compounds of South African Pat. application No. 2467/65 is outstanding; thus, d,l-6-phenyl- 2 ,3 ,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2 1 -b )-t.hiazole hydrochloride or d,l-6-(2'-thienyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro(2,l-b)- thiazole hydrochloride are fully effective against worm burdens in sheep at a concentration of 10 to 20 mg/kg of bodyweight of the sheep andeven less whereas similar control with the classical anthelmintic phenothiazine can only be attained at a dosage of 600 to 800 mg/kg, i.e., at 30 to times higher dosages. Other salts, particularly non-toxic addition salts, e.g., the hy drobromides, sulphates, phosphates, acetates, lactates, maleates, benzenesulphonates or the like are also contemplated and, as already disclosed in said South African application No. 2467/65 on page 5, useful for biological applications.

We also provide a process for the manufacture of a compound of the formula R-ilg /C\ /CHR N S (Formula V) which comprises ring closing a compound of the formula R.(iDH.CH NCHR c CHR" YN s (Formula VI) wherein Y stands for Br, C1 or acyloxy, Y stands for acyl or hydrogen excluding, however, the case when Y is acyloxy and Y is acyl, and wherein R, R and R" are as defined on page 3, lines 6-12.(Reaction 2). Typical acyloxy groups are acetoxy, propionoxy and butyroxy. Ring closure is achieved by heating. When Y stands for acyloxy, heating to 150C or more is carried out in acid medium e.g., polyphosphoric or sulphuric acid, over prolonged periods, as this reaction is slow and side reactions occur; when Y stands for Br or Cl and Y is hydrogen or acyl, the medium may be a lower alkanoic acid anhydride e.g., acetic anhydride together with a halogenating agent SO2 P02 or PZ where the halogen Z is Br or Cl; when Y stands for Br or Cl and Y is hydrogen, the medium may also be weakly to strongly basic; at least one equivalent of an acid acceptor must be present. The base of formula VI itself may act as such an acceptor but excess alkalising agent is preferred. Good yields are obtained readily with conventional alkalising agents. The reaction with compounds in which Y stands for Cl or Br and Y is hydrogen in the presence of an alkalising agent is preferred. Temperature for the reaction is not narrowly critical; under basic conditions the range between 40 and 150C is suitable but 5080C is preferred; below 40C and under basic conditions the reaction proceeds, but at a slower rate. Suitable media are water, mixed aqueous organic solvents or organic solvents; suitable alkalising agents are the conventionally used basic reagents e.g., sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide; amongst these mild agents e.g., sodium bicarbonate or ammonium hydroxide are preferred.

When Y stands for Br or Cl, initially the compound of formula V1 is usually present as a salt, e.g., the hydrochloride or hydrobromide; during the reaction in the presence of an alkalising agent the corresponding base and the ring-closed base are formed and, when the medium is aqueous, the latter is precipitated, usually in the form of an oil.

We have now found that improved yields can be obtained in reaction 2 when an organic solvent is present which forms a separate liquid phase. Preferred solvents are the chlorinated hydrocarbons e.g., chloroform or trichloroethylene and, particularly, 1 ,2- dichloroethane. Accordingly a preferred process comprises ring-closing compounds of the formula V1 in a medium consisting of two phases, one of which is by drophilic, preferably aqueous and the other is an inert chlorinated hydrocarbon, preferably 1,2- dichloroethane.

We also provide a process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula CHR R.CH.CH:.N

C CHR (Formula VII) which comprises halogenating a compound of the formula CHR" (Formula VIID halogen Z is chlorine or bromine and R, R and R" are as defined on page 3, lines 6-13 inclusive. (Reaction 3). The compounds of formulae V11 and Vlll are usually present in the form of their salts, e.g., the hydrogen halides HZ. A slight excess over the theoretical requirement of the halogenating agent, e.g. 5 to 15 percent molar excess is preferred.

The reaction may be carried out in any solvent is not attacked by the halogenating agent e.g., benzene or halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform or methylene dichloride. A preferred solvent is 1,2- dichloroethane. Reaction temperature is not highly critical; at room temperature the reaction takes between 30 and 60 minutes, while at 50C it proceeds more rapidly; control to between 35 and 60C is preferred.

Furthermore we provide a process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula CHR R.CH.CH1.N

acyl

H HR" in a non-aqueous, inert solvent with a ketene, wherein R, R and R" are as defined on page 3, lines 6-12. (Reaction 4). Typical acyloxy groups are acetoxy, propionoxy or butyroxy, but acetyl is preferred and accordingly CH =CO is the preferred ketene. The reaction temperature is not critical, preferably between 0 and 30C; equimolar quantities of reagents or a small excess of ketene are used, but large excess of the ketene or presence of free ketene in the reaction product should be avoided since it impairs stability of compound IX. Suitable inert solvents are e.g. methylene dichloride, chloroform or diethylether.

The simplest compound according to formula 1, 1- (2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine is known and may be made according to A. Funke and G. Benoit, Bulletin de la Societe Chimique de France, 1953, 1021. These authors, using ethylenimine and styrene oxide in equimolar ratios obtained yields of no more than 48 percent. We have repeated these experiments and have found that the material so produced is far from pure and, unless subjected to a separate purification process, is unsuitable as a starting material for Reaction 1. Impurities, particularly gums, are formed in Funkes pro cess, presumably oligomers or polymers of either styrene or ethylenimine or of both, which are difficult to remove and which contaminate the ultimate reaction products when Funkes compound is used in further reactions and render the isolation of the ultimate prod ucts difficult or inefficient. The conditions under which undesired side reactions of the two reactants, epoxides and aziridines, particularly polymerisation, can be prevented, unfortunately are in conflict; strongly alkaline conditions favour stability of the aziridines, but lead to spontaneous polymerisation of epoxides and acids polymerise or ring-open the aziridines. In addition we consider that under Funkes conditions the undesired isomer CHR is formed which is particularly difficult to separate and to analyse. The presence of these impurities leads to further undesired by-products in subsequent reactions which cannot be readily removed or analysed and which prevent the crystallisation of the desired products. This is a serious difficulty. As far as we are aware, the synthesis of compounds of the formula V from basic chemicals currently made on technical scale has hitherto been suggested as a multistep process only. Even according to the simpler process of the present invention a 3 to 4 step synthesis is required; if in the first reaction of our combination process, the reaction between an epoxide and an aziridine, gums and impurities are formed, the crude reaction product cannot be used efficiently. It, and subsequent intermediates, must either be purified or, alternatively, yields in subsequent steps fall off rapidly. Thus, in a combination process involving 3 to 4 steps and starting from an impure first reaction product, the ultimate yield is drastically diminished, either because a sequence of purification processes involves losses, or because of low yields and difficulties with isolation.

Surprisingly we have now found that the formation of undesired impurities such as oligomers, polymers and isomers can be much reduced and a product which crystallises spontaneously may be obtained in yields in excess of 70 percent, and possibly as high as 95 percent based on styrene oxide and on ethylenimine, when the reaction is carried out in a special type of polar organic solventwhich is practically inert to aziridines, preferably in the presence of catalysts.

Accordingly we provide an improved process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula /GHR' 11.011011:

H HR which comprises reactingan aairidine of the formula with a compound R.CH-CH:

wherein R, R and R" are as defined on page 3, lines 6-12, characterised in that the reaction is carried out in the presence of a polar organic solvent and preferably in the presence of a catalyst capable of yielding hydroxyl ions in the medium, at temperatures between 50 and 150C, preferably 90 and 130C, and at the corresponding equilibrium vapour pressures of the medium (Reaction Suitable organic solvents are polar protic solvents, in particular ethanol and isopropanol, in the presence or absence of water. These solvents have the advantage that they are catalytic themselves and produce high reaction rates. Suitable catalysts capable of yielding hydroxyl ions are hydrolytic solvents, e.g. water. ethanol or isopropanol or strongly alkaline bases, e.g., the alkali metal hydroxides. The latter are preferred, also because their presence is desirable to prevent uncontrolled polymerisation of the aziridine. Suitable concentrations of the catalysts are from 0.0001 to 0.005 mole of catalyst per mole of epoxide. A particularly preferred polar solvent is an excess of the aziridine itself.

Accordingly we also provide a process as defined in Reaction 5 characterised in that at least 1% molar equivalents of the aziridine are present for each molar proportion of the epoxide; we prefer to use more than 100 percent molar excess of the aziridine. The upper limit of excess of the aziridine is not critical; it is essentially a question of convenience and economy. Since the excess aziridine is removed after the reaction, e.g., by distillation and since little additional benefit is derived from large, say 4 or 5 molar excess of aziridine while at the same time the cost of separation and the losses on evaporation increase, large excess of ethyleni mine is not favoured.

A second group of suitable solvents are the polar aprotic solvents, particularly sulpholane, dimethylformamide and dimethyl acetamide; while the reaction rate in these is slower they have the advantage of reducing the amount of the undesired isomer of the formula can norm: cthou 01m".

Temperatures for Reaction 5 are not narrowly critical, as indicated by the range stated above, but at the higher temperatures (90 to 130C) shorter reaction times, between 20 and 60 minutes can be achieved. Accordingly we also prefer the corresponding slightly superatmospheric pressures.

We also provide, in combination, a process for the manufacture of a compound of formula V which comprises reacting a compound of the formula CH R (Formula IX) with a compound of formula II as above defined to produce a compound of the formula acylimino compound R. CH. CHiN CHR Acyl HR AcylN s and ring closing the latter. Furthermore we provide a process for the manufacture of compounds of formula V which comprises, in

combination, the steps of reacting an aziridine of the formula rum llN

()IIR" with a compound of the formula in the presence of a polar organic solvent at a temperature between 50 and 150C, thereby obtaining a compound of the formula CHR R.CH.CH:N

H HR

reacting the reaction product obtained without a purification step with thiourea or thiocyanic acid to obtain a compound of the formula and then ring closing the compound so obtained, wherein R, R and R, which may be the same or different, may be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl and R may be substituted by a substituent which is nonreactive with the aziridine ring and which is halogen, nitro, acylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio and wherein R furthermore may be a fiveor sixmembered heterocyclic radical having N, S or O in the ring and wherein R" is hydrogen whenever R is hydrogen (overall reaction 7). A preferred variant of the overall reaction 7 is the reaction wherein compound R.CH.CH .N CHR OH HR is halogenated according to reaction 3 prior to ring closure. Another less preferred variant comprises converting the hydroxy compound of formula I to its acyloxy form prior to reaction with thiourea or thiocyanic acid.

Furthermore we provide a process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula Acyl cyl (Formula XI) which comprises reacting a compound of the formula CHR R-CH-CHz-N H CHR In addition we provide a process of reacting a compound of formula Xl with a compound of formula [I to form an intermediate of the formula Acyl cyl (Formuln X11) CHR A R (EH-cmNH-(JHR CHR s ND and where W is OH or Oaeyl;

A @crrcmmrcnR'.o11R"-soND R, R, R", A, D and X are as defined on page 3 lines 5 to 12 R" is alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl; R is defined as R excluding, however, phenyl, methyl and hydrogen; R" is methyl or hydrogen; R' is alkyl excluding methyl, or aryl; R'" is defined as R excluding, however, hydrogen; X is H, Cl, Br or OAcyl and X" is H, Cl or Br.

Accordingly we also provide new compounds of the formula (Formula XIII) wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of Q, Q" and Q', where Q is a direct bond to the nitrogen forming an aziridine ring, Q" is the group forming an minothiazolidine ring and Q' is a monovalent radical BOND linked to the --CHR" group; wherein Y" is selected from the group consisting of OH, -Oacyl, H, Cl, Br and, in the case where Q Q", a direct link to the imino nitrogen of the thioazolidine ring; and wherein R, R, R", R', R, R", R, R A, D and Y are as above defined, provided that: R equals R whenever O is Q and Y" is Oacyl;

R whenever Q is Q and Y" is OH;

R whenever Q is O, Y" is OH and R is R;

phenyl whenever Q is O, Y" is OH and R is R'; R"" whenever O is O", Y" is H, Cl, Br or Oacyl and Y is hydrogen;

hydrogen whenever Q is O", Y is hydrogen and R is R;

R whenever Q is O", Y" is H, Cl or Br and Y is acyl;

R whenever Q is O", Y" is OH, Y is H and R is R;

R whenever Q is O", Y" is said direct link to the imino Our invention is now demonstrated by, but not limited to the examples set out below. One of the principal objects of this invention is the synthesis of compounds of formula V. The preferred combination syntheses leading to these compounds are defined by claims 29 to 30 and 31 to 34 inclusive; typical preferred syntheses of representative compounds of formula V are given in Examples 109 or 2, 38, 78, 79 or 17, 34, 76, 77 or 28, 48, 85, 86. It will be understood that various combinations of the steps according to this invention leading to compounds V are proposed; for convenience the individual steps are demonstrated in separate examples; thus e.g. reaction 5 and related syntheses are demonstrated in Examples 1 to 30; reaction I and related syntheses in Examples 76, 78, 84, 85, 87 and reaction 2 in Examples 75, 77, 79 to 83 etc. In these examples in many instances the isolation of intermediates is described and, in some cases, purification processes are included. It is to be understood that with intermediates this is for the purpose of identification of the compound; it does not imply that in the preferred process for making intermediates for the compounds of formula V such discrete separation of the steps is required.

On the contrary, a combination synthesis, eliminating isolation and purification steps such as e.g., after reaction 5 is envisaged in the practice of the invention, as demonstrated in Example 109 and indicated by cross references between examples.

Particularly valuable compounds or intermediates are those used in the manufacture of the known anthelmintic drug 6-phenyi-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-imidazo(2,lb)thiazole. Thus, preferred new compounds or int" mediates are those of the formulae:

@cnoncm-rvn-cmcmsbam and Q-GHOH-CHTNH-GHICHQmN and acid-addition salts thereof, and the corresponding halogenated thiazolidines derived therefrom which are of the formula:

@OHCHz-N CHz z nN=c :112

EXAMPLE 1 l-( 2' -Hydroxy-2' -phenylethyl )aziridine (alternative name l-hydroxyl -phenyl-2-ehtyleniminoethane) CII;

CHOHIGHQ-N This compound was prepared as described by A. Funke, G. Benoit: Bulletin de la Societe Chimique de France 1953, 1021, from ethylenimine and styrene oxide.

The crude product obtained by this procedure was a viscous oil which did not solidify at room temperature or on prolonged cooling at 0C. A detailed examination of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of this material revealed the presence of large quantities of extra neous matter. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the pure compound obtained as described in Example 8 exhibits the following features:*(*Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were measured on a Varian A-60 with tetramethylsilane as an internal reference.) Aziridine protons: two groups of multiplets at 1.16 and 1.72 ppm; CH protons of the CHOHCH group: two sets of quadruplets at 2.16 and 2.65 ppm; CH protons: a quadruplet centred on 4.83 ppm; aromatic protons: singlet at 7.31 ppm. The nuclear magnetic spectrum of the crude material obtained by the method of the above reference showed additional broad bands extending almost continuously from 0.7 to 4.8 ppm. To test the suitability of materials obtained according to Funke, this experiment was carried out in an identical manner five times. In no case could the crude product obtained be purified by recrystallisation from ether, cyclohexane, chloroform or benzene. When the product from each of the five experiments was distilled as described in the above reference, oils were obtained in yields ranging from 45 to 52 percent of theory. In none of the experiments did the product solidify on standing within 48 hours; analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that the distilled materials, although substantially purer than the crude materials, still contained impurities in the order of 20 percent.

OH atar Ethylenimine (43 g) Styrene oxide 120 g), ethaTrEl (400 ml) and powdered sodium hydroxide (2 g) were charged to a pressure vessel equipped with a stirrer. The vessel was immersed in an oil-bath held at 110C and the mixture was stirred at this temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was then cooled and the alcohol distilled under reduced pressure. The remaining viscous oil was distilled in high vacuum to yield substantially pure l-(2'-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)aziridine as a colourless, crystalline substance. The yield on ethylenimine and styrene oxide was 75 percent and purity was better than 80 percent. Recrystallisation of a small sample from carbon tetrachloride gave colourless crystals of m.p. 77C. This material was suitable for the synthesis of the compounds of 2-imino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2- phenylethyl)thiazolidine and its salts as described in many of the subsequent examples, e.g., 32, 38 to 45 inclusive and l-(2-acetoxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine as described in Example 13.

EXAMPLE 3 l-( 2 '-I-Iydroxy-2 '-phenylethyl )aziridine Ethylenimine (86 g 2 moles) was heated in an autoclave to C. With stirring styrene oxide g) was added over 20 minutes. Stirring was continued for another 10 minutes at 100C. Unreacted ethylenimine was then recovered first by bleeding the reactor and then by distillation at 6070C and 25 mm Hg. The recovery of ethylenimine was 41.2 g or 96 percent of 1 mole.

The crude reaction product g) solidified on cooling to room temperature. Aziridine analysis by thiosulphate titration and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicated 90-95 percent aziridine contact calculated as the desired compound. Detailed analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and column chromatography indicated that at least 75 percent of the material was the desired compound. The crude reaction product was used in the synthesis of Example 39.

EXAMPLES 4 TO 7 INCLUSIVE In the same manner as described in Example 3 there were prepared the following l-(2'-hydroxy-2'-R- ethyl )aziridines EXAMPLE 8 l-( 2-I-Iydroxy-2 -phenylethyl )aziridine @oncmr/ l O H CH2 Ethylenimine (107.5 g, 2% mole) was heated under reflux in a flask equipped with reflux condenser, stirrer, thermometer and dropping funnel. Styrene oxide (120 g 1 mole) was added dropwise over 3 hours at a temperature between 55C and 65C. After the addition had been completed stirring was continued for another 3 hours at 6065C. Unreacted ethylenimine was then recovered by distillation at 60C and 10 mm Hg.

The crude reaction product (168 g) solidified on cooling. Analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance and by column chromatography indicated a purity of 85 percent. The crude product was used for the synthesis of Example 39.

A sample of this material was purified by recrystallisation from cyclohexane. Colourless crystals, m.p. 7879C.

Another sample was recrystallised from diethyl ether. Large, water-clear crystals, m.p. 7879C.

EXAMPLES 9 TO 11 INCLUSIVE In the same manner as in Example 8 there were prepared the following 1-( 2 '-hydroxy-2 '-R- ethyl )aziridines:

R-CH.CH:.N

OH CHI Example 9: R m-nitrophenyl Example 10: R 3-pyridyl Example 11: R m-trifluoromethylphenyl. The products of Examples 9, 10 and 11 were used in the syntheses of Examples 53, 61 and 59 respectively.

EXAMPLE 1 2 1 2 '-phenylethyl )aziridine CHmCHmN This compound was prepared in high yield as described by H. Bestian, Ann. 566, 238 (1950). B.p. l l-1 14C/l0 mm Hg. This product was used for the synthesis of Example 33A and B.

EXAMPLE l3 1-(2-Acetoxy-2'-phenylethyl )aziridine v CH:

Ac CH2 Ketene was bubbled through a solution of l-(2'- hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)-aziridine g) in methylene chloride (20 ml) until an infra red spectrum of the solution showed no absorption due to u'nreacted hydroxyl. Evaporation of the solvent gave the product as a viscous oil. Distillation gave pure 1-(2'-acetoxy-2'- phenylethyl)aziridine, b.p. l 1 1-1 l2C/0.5 mm, n 1.512. This compound was used in the synthesis of Example 69.

EXAMPLE I4 /CH.CH3 HN Ph-CHCH1 CILCHa P h-C H. CHa-N OH CH:

This compound was prepared from styrene oxide and propylenimine by the method described in Example 2. The product was used in the synthesis of Example 35.

EXAMPLE 15 1-( 2-Hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)-2-( n-hexyl )aziridine 0H Q-rinomo/l \CHI This compound was prepared from styrene oxide and l,2-octy1enimine by the method described in Example 2. The product was used in the synthesis of Example EXAMPLE l6 1-( 2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-phenylaziridine HO CH1. CH N The compound was prepared from ethylene oxide and 2-phenylaziridine as described in Example 8 except that the reaction temperature was 50C. The product was suitable for use in the synthesis according to Example 37.

EXAMPLE 1 7 1-[ 2'-Hydroxy-2 2 -thienyl)ethyl] az iridine EXAMPLES 18 TO 21 INCLUSIVE In the same manner as in Example 17 there were prepared the following l-( 2 '-hydroxy-2'-R- ethyl)aziridines of the formula R. (13H. CHz.N\

OH H:

where in Example 18, R 2-furyl,

Example 19, R l-naphthyl,

Example 20, R benzyl,

Example 21, R p-tolyl. The products of Examples 18, 19, 20 and 21 were used in the synthesis of Examples 51, 63, 6S and 66 respectively.

EXAMPLE 22 l-[2'-l-Iydroxy-2-(4' '-pyridy1)ethyl laziridine CH2 N// 4-(Epoxyethyl)pyridine (24.2 g) was added dropwise and with stirring over minutes to ethylenimine 17.2 g) at a temperature between and 65C. After addition was completed stirring was continued at 65C for another 2 hours. Unreacted ethylenimine was recov- 5 ered by distillation at C and 10 mm Hg. The residual oil was distilled in high vacuum to yield the desired product, b.p. 103106C/0.01 mm Hg. The product was suitable for the synthesis described in Example 49.

4-(Epoxyethyl)pyridine was prepared by the method described by L. Polo Frizz Farmaco (Pavia) Ed. Sci. 18 (12): 972-80 (1963).

EXAMPLES 23 TO 24 INCLUSIVE In the same manner as in Example 22 there were prepared the following l-(2'-hydroxy-2'-R- ethyl)aziridines of the formula CH; R-(|3H.CH;.N

H on,

where in Example 23, R o-chlorophenyl,

Example 24. R Z-pyridyl. The products of Examples 23 and 24 were used in the synthesis of Examples 56 and 60.

EXAMPLE 25 l-[ 2 -Hydroxy-2'-(p-nitrophenyl)ethyl]aziridine EXAMPLES 26-27 INCLUSIVE In the same manner as in Example 22 there were prepared the following l-(2'-hydroxy-2'-R- ethyl)aziridines of the formula R--CH.CH:.N

H CH1 where in Example 26, R o-nitrophenyl,

Example 27, R 2,3,4-trichlorophenyl. The products of Examples 26 and 27 were used in the syntheses of Examples 52 and 64 respectively.

EXAM PLE 2 8 l-( 2 -Hydroxy-3 -phenylthiopropyl )aziridine O H CH1 Phenyl glycidyl sulphide (33.2 g, prepared as described by H. Hopfi, P. Lienhard: Helv. Chim. Acta 45, 1746 (1962)) and ethylenimine (17.2 g) were heated for 2 hours in a pressure bottle at 5060C. Excess ethylenimine was removed by distillation at 55C and 12 mm H g. The residual oil was distilled in high vacuum to give the desired compound as an oil, b.p. l40-l44C/0.0l mm, which crystallised in the receiver flask. Yield 26 g (62 percent of theory). The structure of the compound was confirmed by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Infra red bands (K Br) 1478,1433,l258,l105,1089, 993, 735 and 689 cm. The purified compound was used in the synthesis of Example 48.

EXAMPLE 29 1-(2-l-lydroxy-3'-phenoxypropyl)aziridine O H CH1 This compound was prepared by the method of Example 28. Yield 69 percent of theory, b.p. l32-4C/0.005 mm Hg. The compound was used for the synthesis of Example 67.

EXAMPLE 30 1-(2-I-lydroxy-2' phenylethyl)-2-methylaziridine CH-CII:

EXAMPLE 3 1 OH CH:

A 1.0% w/v aqueous suspension of l-(2'-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)aziridine was prepared by dissolving the compound in toluene adding 5% w/v Lubrol E (Registered Trade Mark, a condensation product of alkyl phenol with ethylene oxide) to the solution and dispersing this concentrate in water immediately before application.

Approximately larvae of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus were dipped for 5 seconds in the 1.0 w/w aqueous suspension of the compound. After 48 hours, the mortality of the larvae was 100 percent, whereas that of larvae dipped in a similar aqueous solution of "Lubrol" E was 6 percent.

A toxicity test on mice showed that an oral dose of 250 mg/kg of bodyweight was tolerated.

EXAMPLE 32 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine A. Method A Thiourea (76 g, 1 mole) was dissolved in 1800 ml of 2N HCl and the solution was cooled to C. There was then added dropwise with stirring l-(2-hydroxy-2- phenylethyl)aziridine (163 g, 1 mole) dissolved in acetone. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give a nearly quantitative yield of crude @onoaommacmcm s.c .2110! The structure was confirmed by its infra red spectrum (strong band at 1615 cm"). This salt was dissolved in 4 times its weight of water, the solution heated under reflux for 1 hour, evaporated in vacuo and the residue recrystallised from ethanol to yield the desired compound in 86 percent yield as the hydrochloride.

The hydrobromide was similarly prepared. B. Method B Example 32A was repeated, but instead of thiourea, l.l mole of potassium thiocyanate was dissolved in the hydrochloric acid and the l-(2'-hydroxy-2'- phenylethynaziridine dissolved in acetone added as described. The reaction mixture was then maintained under reflux for 1 hour and evaporated to dryness. The dry residue obtained was recrystallised from methanol. The desired compound was obtained in good yield and high purity.

The experiment was then repeated, using dioxane as a solvent instead of acetone and again the desired product was obtained in good yield and purity. The compounds of Example 32A and 328 were used in the syntheses of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

A. Method A @cmcmlj EN S l-(2'-Phenylethyl)aziridine (l47 g, 1 mole) was reacted with thiourea and the intermediate isothiourea hydrolysed as described in Example 32A to yield the desired compound as the hydrochloride in 82 percent yield. The free base was obtained by dissolving the hydrochloride in water and adding ammonium hydroxide until alkaline. The base separated out and was recrystallised from benzene. B. Method B Example 33A was repeated using instead of thiourea 1.] mole of potassium thiocyanate. This was dissolved in the hydrochloric acid and an acetone solution of l-(2-phenylethyl)aziridine added as described. The mixture was refluxed for 1 hour, evaporated to dryness, the residue was recrystallised and analysed. The desired compound was obtained in fair yield and high purity.

An adult sheep infested with a wide variety of intestinal worms was dosed orally with an aqueous solution of the hydrochloride of Example 33A at the rate of 50 mg of compound per kg of bodyweight. The worm egg count before dosing was 2,400 eggs per gram of faeces, whereas at 2 and 7 days after dosing it was 0 eggs per gram. There was no drop in egg count in control sheep. Mice tolerated a dose of 250'mg/kg of bodyweight.

EXAMPLE 34 2-lmino-3-[2-hydroxy-2'-(2' '-thienyl )ethyl]thiazolidine hydrochloride This compound was prepared by the method described in Example 48 from 16.9 g of l-[2-hydroxy-2'-(2"- thienyl)ethyl]aziridine. The compound was used in the synthesis of Example 76.

EXAMPLE 35 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'phenylethyl )-4- methylthiazolidine hydrochloride EXAMPLE 36 2-lmino-3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)-4-nhexylthiazolidine hydrochloride orrcmril-omcmmm on c on,

The compound was prepared by the method described in Example 39 from the compound of Example 15 and thiourea. The product was used in the synthesis of Example 82.

EXAMPLE 37 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-4-phenylthiazolidine hydrochloride EXAMPLE 38 2-Imino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride on CH.CH .N

l .HCI HN Thiourea (76 g) was dissolved in a mixture of water (1000 ml) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (175 ml). The solution was cooled to C and with stirring and cooling, a solution of crude l-(2'-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)-aziridine (163 g) in dioxane (200 ml) was added over a period of 1 hour. Stirring was continued for a further hour at 0C and the mixture was then allowed to come to room temperature. It was left at room temperature for 2 hours and excess acid was then neutralised with aqueous sodium hydroxide to a pH of 3.6. The solution obtained was heated under reflux for 1% hours and water was then removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in 400 ml of hot, absolute ethanol, filtered from undissolved ammonium and sodium chlorides and dry HCl added to the filtrate at room temperature. The mixture was then cooled until the precipitation of the desired compound was complete. The mixture was filtered and the solids washed on the filter with ice-cold absolute alcohol. 155 g of product was obtained; this was shown by nuclear magnetic resonance and infra-red spectroscopy and by thin-layer chromatography to be substantially pure. A sample was further purified by recrystallisation from absolute alcohol containing some dry HCl. White crystals, m.p. 224-5C.

EXAMPLE 39 2-Imino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride Thiourea (76 g) was dissolved with stirring in a mixture of water (700 ml) and 98 percent sulphuric acid (109 grams). The solution was cooled to C and with stirring a solution of crude l-(2'-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)aziridine (obtained by the method of Example 3) in butanol (85 ml) was added over 10 minutes, the temperature being kept below 40C during the reaction. Stirring was continued for minutes at room temperature.

The solution was heated to boiling and 100 ml of liquid phase distilled over. Boiling was then continued under reflux for a further 3 hours.

The mixture was cooled to 25-30C and 750 ml of chloroform were added. While the mixture was well stirred 40 percent aqueous sodium hydroxide was added until the pH of the solution was 1 1.5. The chloroform layer was separated and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate.

Air was bubbled through the chloroform solution to remove dissolved ammonia. Absolute alcohol ml) was then added and dry I-lCl passed until a slight excess had been added (40 g). The mixture was evaporated at 50C over 2 hours to a volume of 350 ml. The white solid obtained was filtered off, washed with a little cold chloroform and dried. Yield of desired compound 150 g, i.e., 58 percent of theory based on crude l-(2'- hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine and also 58 percent of theory based on styrene oxide. M.p. 222-3C. This product was suitable for the syntheses of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 40 2-Imino-3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride The above example was repeated using pure l-(2'- hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl) aziridine (163 g) instead of crude, and instead of sulphuric acid, l,000 ml of water containing in solution 80 grams of HCl and 145 g of potassium chloride. The yield of product was 252.8 grams (97.8 percent of theoretical) m.p. 224-5C.

A 1.0% w/v/ aqueous solution of the compound was sprayed onto 20 adult sheep blowflies (Lucilia cuprina) on a piece of filter paper at the bottom of a llb open glass jar. After 24 hours there was kill of the flies compared with 0 percent for flies sprayed similarly with water.

A toxicity text on mice showed that an oral does of 250 mg/kg was tolerated.

EXAMPLE 41 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride l-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (5 g) dissolved in 20 ml tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise over 75 minutes to a stirred and cooled (ice) mixture of finely powdered thiourea (2.33 g) in ml of tetrahydrofuran to which had been added 10 ml of a 0.618 molar solution of dry HCl in tetrahydrofuran.

Stirring was continued for another hour. The solvent was decanted, the residue dissolved in water, the solution refluxed for 3 hours and cooled. The solution was made alkaline with aqueous sodium carbonate and the free base extracted with ml chloroform; the extract dried over sodium sulphate, 30 ml of isopropanol added and dry HCl introduced in slight excess. The solution was evaporated to 30 ml volume and cooled. The desired product crystallised and was collected by filtration. Yield 4.4 g 55.2 percent of theory. M.p. 22l-3C. The product was suitable for the syntheses of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 42 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride l-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (32.6 g) dissolved in 50 ml of ethanol was added dropwise over 2 hours at room temperature to a stirred mixture of finely powdered thiourea (15.2 g) in ethanol (250 ml) containing dry HCl (7.6 g).

The resulting solution was placed in an autoclave and heated at 160C for 30 minutes. After cooling to room temperature the solution was filtered from ammonium chloride and the filtrate evaporated to about 125 ml. On cooling the desired compound crystallised. Yield 41.8 g 81 percent of theory. M.p. 222-3C. The compound was suitable for the synthesis of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 43 2-Imino-3-(2-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride l-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (32.6 g) dissolved in 50 ml sec. butanol was added dropwise over 45 minutes at to 5C to a stirred mixture of potassium thiocyanate (20 g) in sec. butanol (300 ml) containing dry HCl (l5.l g). After completed addition, stirring was continued for another 20 minutes at room temperature. The solution was then boiled for 40 minutes during which time about half the solvent was distilled off. On cooling the desired compound crystallised. Yield 42.3 g 82 percent of theory. Mp. 22l-3C. The product was suitable for the syntheses of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 44 2-lmino-3-(2-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride Over a period of 15 minutes l-(2-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)aziridine (5 g) was added in small portions, as a solid, to a stirred solution of thiourea (2.33 g) in water ml) and percent formic acid (4 g) at 0 to 5C. One ml of concentrated HCl was added and the solution was refluxed for 3% hours. The product was isolated as described in Example 39. Yield 5.5 g 69.5 percent of theory. M.p. 223-4C. The product was suitable for the syntheses of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 45 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride The method of Example 44 was repeated using, however, acetic acid (5.3 g) instead of formic acid. Yield of product was 5 g 63 percent of theory. M.p.

EXAMPLE 46 2-lrnino-3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride Q0 H. CH:.N-

The method of Example 44 was repeated using, however, phosphoric acid 10.3 g of 88 percent) instead of formic acid, and omitting the addition of HCl before reflux. Yield 7.65 g 96.5 percent of theory. M.p. 22l-3C.

as described for the corresponding 2-imino derivative in Example 75 Method A.

EXAMPLE 48 2-lmino-3-( 2 '-hydroxy-3 "phenylthiopropyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride OH I HN s .HCl

A solution of l-(2'-hydroxy-3'-phenylthiopropyl)azirldine (26 g) in dioxan (60 ml) was added dropwise over minutes and with stirring and external cooling with ice-water to a solution of thiourea (9.5 g) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (26 ml) in water (200 ml). Stirring was continued at room temperature for another 30 minutes. The solution was then heated under reflux for 3% hours, cooled, extracted with a mixture of 15 ml n-butanol and 25 ml chloroform, the aqueous solution made alkaline to pH 1 LS with 3N NaOl-l solution, and the mixture extracted twice with 75 ml portions of chloroform. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered, and ethanolic HCl was added to the filtrate until it gave an acid reaction against litmus. The solution was concentrated in vacuo. On cooling the desired product crystallised. Yield 23.2 g (61 percent of theory). Portion of the product was used in the synthesis of Example 84. Another portion of the sample was recrystallised from a mixture of isopropanol and ethanol (2:1 by volume). Colourless crystals, m.p. l30.5-2C. The structure was confirmed by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by elemental analysis.

EXAMPLE 49 2-lmino-3-[2'-hydroxy-2-(4"-pyridyl)ethyl]thiazolidine hydrochloride This compound was prepared by the method of Example 48. The crude dihydrochloride obtained was recrystallised from isopropanol. The product was used in the synthesis of Example 87.

EXAMPLE 50 A. l-(2',3'-Dihydroxypropyl)aziridine CH HO.CH .CIJH.CH- .N

OH CH:

L J .llCl

IIN

l-(2',3-Dihydroxypropyl)aziridine was reacted with thiourea by the method of Example 39 to yield the desired compound. M.p. l8894C.

EXAMPLES 51 TO 67 INCLUSIVE The following compounds of the formula R.CH.CH2.N

OH .HCl

HN S

wherein R is as stated in Column 2, were prepared by the method of the corresponding example indicated in Column 3. Col. l. Col. 2 Col. 3 Example No. R Prepared according to method of Example No. 5| 2-furyl 34 52 o-nitrophenyl 39 53 m-nitrophenyl 39 54 p-nitrophenyl 39 55 m-bromophenyl 32A 56 o-chlorophenyl 32A 57 m-chlorophcnyl 40 58 p-fluorophenyl 32B 59 m-trifluoromethylphenyl 32A 60 2-pyridyl 48 6l 3-pyridyl 48 62 4-thiazolyl 48 63 l-naphthyl 32A 64 2,3,4-trichlorophenyl 48 65 benzyl 32A 66 p-tolyl 43 67 phenoxymethyl 48 The compounds of Examples 51 to 67 inclusive were used for the syntheses of the compounds of Examples to 106 inclusive.

EXAMPLE 68 2-Acetimido-3(2'-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl )thiazolidine l-(2'-Hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (8.15 g) dissolved in 15 ml dimethyl-formamide was added dropwise over 15 minutes to a stirred solution of thiourea (3.8 g) and acetic acid (6.6 g) in dimethylformamide at 0 to 10C. The solution was filtered and heated on a steambath for 5 hours. The solvent was removed by distillation in vacuo to leave an oil. This was dissolved in a mixture of ethyl acetate and water, the organic layer separated, dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent evaporated to leave an oil which soon solidified. It was purified by recrystallisation from benzene. M.p. 99l0lC, infra red bands at 3360, 1650, 1495cm confirmed the structure. The product was suitable for the synthesis of the product according to Example 89.

EXAMPLE 69 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride A solution of 1-(2'-acetoxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (10.2 g) in acetone (5 ml) was added over 10 minutes to an ice-cold solution of thiourea (4 g) in water (100 ml) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (12 ml). The solution was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature and then refluxed for 3% hours. Working up as described in Example 39 gave 2-imino-3-(2-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride, mp. 217C, identified by its infra red spectrum. The material was suitable for syntheses of the compounds of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 70 2-lmino-3-( 2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl )thiazolidine p-toluenesulphonate salt SOsH Concentrated sulphuric acid (1.56 g) was added dropwise with rapid stirring and efficient cooling in ice to a solution of ammonium thiocyanate (2.33 g) in ethanol (20 ml). The mixture was then filtered through a fluted filter paper.

A cold solution of p-toluene sulphonic acid (5.8 g) in ethanol (20 ml) was added to the filtrate, followed dropwise, with stirring and cooling, by a solution of 1- (2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (5 g) in ethanol (20 ml). A precipitate formed during the addition. After stirring for a further 30 minutes at 5C the mixture was filtered to yield 6.9 g of the desired compound (57 percent of theory), mp 23 840C. The filtrate on concentration yielded a further 3.9 g of the compound.

EXAMPLE 71 A. S-[ 2-( 2 '-Hydroxy-2 -pheny1ethylamino )ethyl lisothiourea bis(p-toluene-sulphonate) salt SOaH OH NH 1-(2'-Hydroxy-2'-pheny1ethyl)aziridine g) dissolved in isopropanol (30 ml) was added dropwise with stirring over 45 minutes to a mixture of finely powdered thiourea (2.33 g) and p-toluenesulphonic acid (12.2 g) in isopropanol (40 ml). The clear solution obtained was left standing for 12 hours when the isothiourea salt crystallised. The product was filtered off. Further purification was not necessary. M.p. 857C. The structure was confirmed by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A sample of this material (5.2 g) was dissolved in a small volume of water and refluxed for 3 hours. On cooling the solution deposited crystals of the compound IL M.P.23840C.

B. 2-(2'-Hydroxy-2-phenylethylamino)ethylisothiourea dihydromaleate NH era-coon Ermmiwnomcmsc H NH: CH-COOH Thiourea (3.8 g) and 1-(2-hydroxy-2- phenylethyhaziridine (8.7 g) were dissolved in dry methanol (60 ml) and the solution cooled to 10C. On the addition of a solution of maleic acid (14 g) in dry methanol (20 ml) slight warming occurred, and after about 15 minutes white crystals of 2-(2'-hydroxy-2" phenylethylamino)ethylisothiourea dihydromaleate were deposited. Filtration gave a high yield (18.9 g, ca.

EXAMPLE 72 2-lmino-3-( 2'-hydroxy-2 '-phenylethyl )thiazolidine hydrochloride SI 2-(2'-Hydroxy-2'-phenylethylamino)ethy11isothiouronium chloride hydrochloride (5 g, prepared as described in Example 32 Method A) was dissolved in ethyleneglycol monoacetate (8 ml) and the solution heated at 165C for minutes. After cooling the ammonium chloride formed was filtered off and the filtrate poured into diethyl ether (50 ml). The desired compound was filtered off and recrystallised from ethanol. Yield 3.1 g 73 percent of theory, m.p. 2224C.

EXAMPLE 73 2-lmino-3 2 -hydroxy-2 '-phenylethy1 )thiazolidine hydrochloride Acetyl chloride (15.7 g) in benzene 10 ml) was added dropwise with stirring and cooling over 15 minutes to a solution of l-(2-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)aziridine (16.3 g) and triethylamine 10.1 g) in benzene (90 ml). Stirring was continued at room temperature for another 40 minutes. The solution was then extracted twice with 50 ml water each time, the benzene solution dried over sodium sulphate and then filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo to leave an oil which so- Iidified on standing. The compound, N-( 2- ch1oroethyl)-N-(2-acetoxy-2-phenylethyl) acetamide, was purified by recrystallisation from benzene. A mixture of N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-( 2-acetoxy-2- phenylethyl)acetamide (28.4 g), thiourea (8 g), con- 1 centrated hydrochloric acid (12 ml), water (250 ml) and ethanol (50 ml) was heated under reflux for 6 hours. The solution was then made alkaline with sodium hydroxide and worked up by the method of Example 39 to yield the desired compound. M.p. 222-3C. The compound was suitable for the syntheses of the compounds of Examples 74, 78 and 80.

EXAMPLE 74 A. 2-lmino-3-(2'-chloro-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine An adult sheep infested with a wide variety of intestinal worms was dosed orally with an aqueous solution of the compound at the dosage rate of 25 mg of the compound per kg of bodyweight. The worm egg count in the faeces of the sheep before dosing was 6,600 eggs per gram of faeces, whereas 2 and 7 days after dosing it was eggs per gram. There was no drop in the egg count of control sheep.

Four adult sheep infested with a variety of intestinal worms were dosed orally with 25 mg of the compound per kg of bodyweight. These sheep and two untreated controls were slaughtered at days after dosing and the population of intestinal worms was assessed according to standard procedures as follows:

Trichostrongylus Trichostrongylus Nematodirus species axei species 1 20 140 560 2 80 300 40 3 20 120 0 4 6O 80 200 Control 3440 200 3520 Control 3640 600 1640 A mouse treated with 250 mg/kg of bodyweight and a sheep treated with mg/kg of bodyweight survived the treatment. B. 2-lmino-3-(2'-bromo-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine The bromo analogue was prepared in the same manner as under A from thionyl bromide and the hydrobromide of 2-imino-3-(2-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)thiazolidine.

EXAMPLE 75 6-Phenyl-2,3 ,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo(2, l -b)thiazo1e A. Method A T T s 2-lmino-3-(2-chloro-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride (27.7 g) was heated for 1 hour on a steambath with 200 ml of 2N sodium carbonate solution. During this time an oil formed. On cooling this solidified. It was separated and recrystallised from 20% aq. ethanol to yield the desired compound. The hydrochloride was obtained by dissolving the base in ethanol and saturating the solution with dry l-lCl.

B. Method B 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride (25.9 g) was heated in polyphosphoric acid (200 g) with stirring, at 185C for 4 hours. The mixture at C was poured with stirring into 1 litre of water, the solution made alkaline with sodium hydroxide and the product extracted with chloroform. Evaporation of the solvent left the desired product as the free base.

EXAMPLE 76 2-lmino-3-[2'-chloro-2'-(2"-thienyl)ethyl]thiazolidine hydrochloride Example 74A was repeated as described above using, however, 2-imino-3-[2'-hydroxy-2'-(2-thienyl)ethyl]- thiazolidine hydrochloride (26.45 g, 0.1 mole) instead of 2-imino-3-(2-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride. The desired product was obtained in fair yield and purity and was used for the synthesis of Example 77.

EXAMPLE 78 2-lmino-3-(2'-chloro-2'-pheny1ethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride )H.OH2.N

i J.HC1 HN/ S 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride (258.5 g) was suspended in 15 mi of chloroform. The mixture was vigorously stirred and maintained at 35C while thionyl chloride (120 g) was added dropwise over a period of 1 hour. Stirring was continued for another hour at 3540C. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and the crude reaction product removed by filtration. It was washed with chloroform and dried to give 251 g of the desired compound in better than 90 percent purity. Recrystallisation of a sample from absolute ethanol containing dry HCl gave colourless crystals of m.p. 2058C. The crude product was suitable for ring closure as described in Example 79.

EXAMPLE 79 6-Phenyl-2,3 ,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2, l -b )thiazole hydrochloride Mill]...

The product from Example 78 was converted to the desired 6-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo(2,1- b)thiazole hydrochloride and recrystallised as described in Example 75A. 168 g of substantially pure product, m.p. 2556C, was obtained.

Examples 2, 38, 78 and 79 in sequence demonstrate a preferred sequence of processes to synthesise 6- phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo(2,1-b)thiazole hydrochloride.

EXAMPLE 80 6-Phenyl-2 ,3 ,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazole(2,1-b)thiazole hydrochloride 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride (258.5 g) was suspended in 1000 ml of 1,2- dichloroethane (EDC). The mixture was heated to 40C and with stirring thionyl chloride (132 g) was added over 10 minutes. Stirring was continued at 40C until no more gas was evolved. Cold water (500 ml) was then added slowly, with stirring followed by a slow addition of solid sodium bicarbonate (520 g). The mixture was then heated to 60C, with stirring, and held at this temperature until no more gas was evolved (1% hours). The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the EDC layer separated and dried over soda ash. The soda ash was washed with two lots of 250 mls EDC. The-aqueous layer was extracted with two lots of 250 ml EDC and the soda ash was further washed, successively, with these extracts. Dry HCl (40 g) was next passed into the EDC solution. The solution was heated to boiling and 50 m1 of EDC distilled off. On cooling the required compound crystallised in high purity. Yield 226 g (94 percent of theory), m.p. 2534C.

EXAMPLE 81 '3-Methyl-6-phenyl-2,3 ,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo(2, 1 b)thiazole hydrochloride 2-lmino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-3- methylthiazolidine hydrochloride (9.4 g) was reacted with thionyl chloride by the method of Example 80. The hydrochloride was obtained in 77 percent yield.

A 1.0% w/v aqueous solution of the hydrochloride containing in addition 0.25% w/v Lubrol E (Registered Trade Mark, a condensation product of alkyl phenol with ethylene oxide) was applied as single drops through a micro-syringe (0.15 mm internal bore needle) onto the ventral portion of 50 individual engorged female cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus). After l4 days the mortality of these ticks was 98 percent, whereas that of control ticks dipped in 0.25% w/v aqueous Lubrol E was 4 percent.

A toxicity test on mice showed that an oral dose of 250 mg/kg was tolerated.

EXAMPLE 82 3-Hexyl-6-phenyl-2,3,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2, l b)thiazole hydrochloride This compound was prepared from 2-imino-3-(2- hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-4-hexylthiazolidine hydrocloride by the method of Example 80.

EXAMPLE 83 3-Phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2, l -b )thiazole hydrochloride EXAMPLE 84 2-lmino-3-(2-chloro-3 '-phenylthiopropy1)thiazolidine hydrochloride 2-lmino-3-(2-hydroxy-3'-phenylthiopropyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride (5 g) was suspended in 50 ml of chloroform and thionyl chloride (5 ml) added all at once, with stirring. After 20 minutes the solution was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and recrystallised twice from isopropanol. Yield 3.81 g= 72 percent of theoretical. M.p. l65176C. The structure was confirmed by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by elemental analysis.

2-lmino-3-(2-hydroxy-3-phenylthiopropyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride g) was suspended in 50 ml ethylene dichloride and thionyl bromide (5 ml) in ethylene dichloride ml) was added dropwise with stirring over 20 minutes. Stirring was continued for another 30 minutes. Water (50 ml) was added slowly followed by excess solid sodium hydrogen carbonate. The temperature was not allowed to rise above 30C. After stirring for 10 minutes the organic layer was separated, and the solvent removed at 30C in a rotary evaporator to leave the desired compound as a crude solid. A sample was purified by crystallisation from ethanol and its structure confirmed by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by elemental analysis. The crude product was suitable for the synthesis of Example 86.

EXAMPLE 86 2-lmino-3-(2'-bromo-3'-phenylthiopropyl)thiazolidine (3.31 g) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (10 ml) and the solution heated on a water bath for 1% hours. On cooling, some of the hydrobromide crystallised and a further quantity was obtained by pouring the filtrate into dioxan (50 ml). The product was recrystallised from isopropanol.

An adult sheep infested with a wide variety of intestinal worms was dosed orally with an aqueous solution of the compound at the dosage rate of 25 mg of the compound per kg of bodyweight. The worm egg count in the faeces of the sheep before dosing was 7,000 eggs per gram of faeces, whereas at 2 and 7 days after dosing it was 0 eggs per gram. There was no drop in egg count in control sheep.

EXAMPLE 87 2-lmino-3-[2'-chloro-2 4 '-pyridyl )ethyl]thiazolidine dihydrochloride 34 This compound was prepared from 2-imino-3-[2'- hydroxy-2 4' -pyridyl )ethyl thiazolidine dihydrochloride by the method of Example 84.

EXAMPLE 88 6-(4-Pyridyl )-2,3,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo(2, l b)thiazole dihydrochloride 2-lmino-3- 2 -chloro-2 4 '-pyridyl )ethyl ]thiazolidine dihydrochloride (2.79 g) was suspended in 50 ml chloreform and an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate added in excess. The mixture was vigorously stirred at C for 2 hours. The chloroform layer was separated, dried over sodium sulphate, 10 ml of isopropanol saturated with dry l-lCl added and the solution obtained concentrated to a volume of 15 ml. On cool ing the salt crystallised.

EXAMPLE 89 2-Acetimino-3-(2-chloro-2'- A. phenylethyl)thiazolidine 2-Acetimino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2- phenylethyl)thiazolidine (26 g) was reacted with thionyl chloride by the method described in Example 74A to yield the desired compound which was purified by recrystallisation from benzene. The product was used for the sythesis of the compound of Example 898.

B. 6-Phenyl-2,3,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2, l -b )thiazole hydrochloride scribed in Example 39 to yield the desired compound. M.p. 25l-5C.

EXAMPLES 90 TO 106 lNCLUSlVE The following compounds of the formula where R is as stated in column 2, were prepared by the methods indicated according to the examples listed in column 3.

Col. 1 Col. 2 Col. 3. Example No. R Prepared according to Example No. 90 Z-furyl 80 9 l o-nitrophenyl 80 92 m-nitrophenyl 80 93 p-nitrophenyl 80 94 m-bromophenyl 8O 95 o-chlorophenyl 80 96 m-chlorophenyl 80 97 p-fluorophenyl 80 98 M-trifluromethylphenyl 80 99 Z-pyridyl (2HCl) 88 100 3-pyridyl (ZHCI) 88 101 4-thiazolyl (ZHCl) 88 102 l-naphthyl 80 103 2,3 ,Q-trichlorophenyl 80 104 benqyl (HBr) 85 W5 p-tolyl 80 106 phenoxymethyl (HBr) 85 EXAMPLE 107 A. Styrene oxide (12.0 g) and ethylenimine (4.3 g) were reacted according to A. Funke, G. Benoit: Bulletin de la Societe Chimique de France I953, 1021.

.B. The crude reaction product was dissolved in nbutanol (20 ml) and reacted with thiourea by the method described in Example 32A. The crude product obtained was a viscous oil which did not solidify and could not be purified by crystallisation. The infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were very complex and could not be interpreted and the presence of the desired compound could not be asserted on the basis of these spectra.

The crude material was then reacted with thionyl chloride by the method of Example 74, but again no product could be isolated or purified.

When this material was reacted with sodium carbonate as described in Example 75A the final product was a viscous, sticky mass which did not crystallise and which could not be purified by crystallisation. The infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra could not be interpreted and did not indicate the presence in the material of the desired compound, 6-phenyl-2,3,5,6- tetrahydroimidazo(2,1-b)thiazole hydrochloride. C. Experiment B was repeated using however the reaction conditions of Example 39 instead of 32A. The result was the same as in Experiment B above. D. Experiment B was repeated using however the reaction conditions of Example 42 instead of Example 32A; the result was again as in Experiment 8 above. E. Experiment B was repeated using, however, thiocyanic acid instead of thiourea and the reaction conditions of Example 32B instead of Example 32A; the experiment again failed to produce the desired compound, as in Experiment B above. F. Experiment E was repeated using, however, the reaction conditions of Example 43 instead of Example 323, with the same negative result.

In none of these experiments did the crude product of Funke and Benoit lead to any indentifiable compounds.

EXAMPLE 108 A. Styrene oxide 120 g) and ethylenimine (43 g) were reacted according to A. Funke, G. Benoit (ioc. cit.) and the crude product distilled in vacuo to yield a viscous oil which did not solidify but which was shown by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to be of much better purity than the crude product. Yield of oil was 83 g (51 percent of theory).

B. This oil (16.3 g) was reacted with thiourea by the method of Example 39 to give 2-imino-3-(2'-hydroxy- 2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride in a yield of 18.6 g (72 percent of theory based on the oil, or 36.7 percent of theory based on styrene oxide or ethylenimine).

C. This material (18.6 g) was then reacted with thionyl chloride by the method of Example E. The intermediate chloro-compound was not purified but cyclised according to the method of Example 75A to yield purified 6-phenyl-2,3,5 ,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2, l -b )thiazole hydrochloride, 13.9 g (79 percent of theory based on 2- imino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine hydrochloride, 29 percent based on styrene oxide). The total synthesis described in this example steps A to C was carried out three times. The overall yield from styrene oxide to 6-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo(2,lb)-thiazole hydrochloride was in no case better than 29 percent.

EXAMPLE 109 6-Phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo( 2 l-b )thiazole A. Ethylenimine (86 g 2 moles) was heated in an autoclave to C. With stirring styrene oxide g) was added over 20 minutes. Stirring was continued for another 10 minutes at 100C. Unreacted ethylenimine was then recovered first by bleeding the reactor and then by distillation at 6070C and 25 mm Hg. The recovery of ethylenimine was 41.2 g or 96 percent of 1 mole.

The crude reaction product (165 g) solidified on cooling to room temperature. B. Thiourea (76 g) was dissolved with stirring in a mixture of water (700 ml) and 98 percent sulphuric acid (109 grams). The solution was cooled to 10C and with stirring a solution of crude l-(2-hydroxy-2'- phenylethyl)-aziridine (obtained as described in Example l09 A in butanol (85 ml) was added over 10 min utes, the temperature being kept below 40C during the reaction. Stirring was continued for 15 minutes at room temperature.

The solution was heated to boiling and 100 ml of liquid phase distilled over. Boiling was then continued under reflux for a further 3 hours.

The mixture was cooled to 2530C and 750 ml of chloroform were added. While the mixture was well stirred 40 percent aqueous sodium hydroxide was added until the pH of the solution was 1 1.5. The chloroform layer was separated and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate.

Air was bubbled through the chloroform solution to remove dissolved ammonia. Absolute alcohol (80 ml) was then added and dry HCl passed until a slight excess had been added (40 g). The mixture was evaporated at 50C over 2 hours to a volume of 350 ml. The white solid obtained was filtered off, washed with a little cold chloroform and dried. Yield of desired compound g, Le, 58 percent of theory based on crude l-(2'- hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)aziridine and also 58 percent of theory based on styrene oxide. M.p. 2223C.

C. The product from Example 109B (150 g) was suspended in 580 ml of l.2-dichloroethane (EDC). The mixture was heated to 40 and with stirring thionyl chloride (77 g) was added over 10 minutes. Stirring was continued at 40C until no more gas was evolved. Cold water (290 ml) was then added slowly, with stirring followed by a slow addition of solid sodium bicarbonate (300 g). The mixture was then heated to 60C, with stirring, and held at this temperature until no more gas was evolved (1% hours). The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the EDC layer separated and dried over soda ash. The soda ash was washed with two lots of 145 ml EDC. The aqueous layer was extracted with two lots of 145 ml EDC and the soda ash was further washed, successively, with these extracts. Dry HCl (24 g) was next passed into the EDC solution. The solution was heated to boiling and 30 ml of EDC distilled off. On cooling the required compound crystallised. Yield 132 g (94 percent of theory based on the product of Example 1098 and 54.5 percent of theory based on styrene oxide). M.p. 252-5C.

We claim:

1. A process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula:

which comprises reacting in acidic solution an aziridine of the formula:

with thiourea or thiocyanic acid wherein X is hydroxy, acetoxy or hydrogen; R is a hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, phenylthiomethyl, phenoxymethyl, thienyl, pyridyl, furyl or thiazolyl substituent; R and R" which may be the same or different are hydrogen, or lower alkyl substituents and wherein R" is hydrogen whenever R is hydrogen.

2. A process according to claim 1 wherein R is phenyl and R and R" are hydrogen.

3. A process according to claim 2 wherein said compound is isolated by forming the insoluble thiocyanic acid addition salt.

4. A process according to claim 2 wherein said compound is isolated from aqueous media by extracting said compound with a first water immiscible organic solvent, removing water from said extract, adding to the extract a second solvent which is hydrophilic and miscible with said first solvent, reacting the compound with dry hydrogen chloride and separating the thus formed hydrochloride salt.

5. A process according to claim 1 of preparing thiazolidines selected from the group consisting of the formula:

and acid addition salts thereof wherein R is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl, Z-phenylethyl, 2hydroxy-2-(halophenyl)ethyl, 2- hydroxy-2-(nitrophenyl)ethyl, 2-hydroxy-3- phenylpropyl, 2-hydroxy-2-tolylethyl, comprising treat ing thiourea, with a compound of the formula:

Gig-70kt wherein R is as defined above, in acid solution at a temperature first within the range of -l0C to 50C and then at 60C to 180C and recovering said compounds therefrom.

6. A process according toclaim 5 wherein R is 2- hydroxy'2-phenylethyl, or 2-phenylethyl, the acid is hydrochloric acid, and the reaction is carried out in two stages, first at l0 to 50C for S to 60 minutes and then at 60 180C for 2-4 hours.

7. A process according to claim 5 wherein the reaction is carried out in water at a pH between 1 and 3.6.

8. A process according to claim 5 wherein the reaction is carried out in a mixture of water and a watermiscible organic solvent in the presence of a quantity of acid which is at least equivalent to the bases formed in the reaction.

9. A process according to claim 5 wherein the reaction is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of a quantity of acid which is at least equivalent to the bases formed in the reaction.

10. A process according to claim 9 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of the alcohols having one to five carbons, acetone, dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, glycolmonoacetate and sulpholane.

11. A process according to claim 5 carried out in the presence of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, p-toluenesulphonic, phosphoric, formic, acetic, maleic, thiocyanic and oxalic acids.

12. A process according ,to claim 5 wherein 0.1 to 0.5 mole acid in excess of the quantity required to neutralize the bases formed from one mole of aziridine is prescut.

13. A process according to claim 5 wherein the medium is aqueous or a mixed aqueous organic solvent, and a temperature between and C is maintained for a period between 2 and 4 hours.

14. A process according to claim 1 for the preparation of 2-imino-3-(2'phenylethyl)thiazolidine or 2- imino-3-(2'-hydroxy-2'-phenylethyl)thiazolidine comprising treating an aqueous acidic solution of thiourea with l-(2-phenylethyl)aziridine or l-(2'-hyd roxy-2'- phenylethyl)aziridine at a temperature between l0C and 50C, subsequently heating to refluxing temperature and recovering said product.

15. A process according to claim 1 using thiocyanic acid wherein the temperature is maintained between -lO and 50C over an initial period of 5-60 minutes followed by raising the reaction temperature to between 60 and 180C for a period in excess of one quarter hour. 

2. A process according to claim 1 wherein R is phenyl and R'' and R'''' are hydrogen.
 3. A process according to claim 2 wherein said compound is isolated by forming the insoluble thiocyanic acid addition salt.
 4. A process according to claim 2 wherein said compound is isolated from aqueous media by extracting said compound with a first water immiscible organic solvent, removing water from said extract, adding to the extract a second solvent which is hydrophilic and miscible with said first solvent, reacting the compound with dry hydrogen chloride and separating the thus formed hydrochloride salt.
 5. A process according to claim 1 of preparing thiazolidines selected from the group consisting of the formula:
 6. A process according to claim 5 wherein R is 2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl, or 2-phenylethyl, the acid is hydrochloric acid, and the reaction is carried out in two staGes, first at -10* to 50*C for 5 to 60 minutes and then at 60* - 180*C for 2-4 hours.
 7. A process according to claim 5 wherein the reaction is carried out in water at a pH between 1 and 3.6.
 8. A process according to claim 5 wherein the reaction is carried out in a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent in the presence of a quantity of acid which is at least equivalent to the bases formed in the reaction.
 9. A process according to claim 5 wherein the reaction is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of a quantity of acid which is at least equivalent to the bases formed in the reaction.
 10. A process according to claim 9 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of the alcohols having one to five carbons, acetone, dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, glycolmonoacetate and sulpholane.
 11. A process according to claim 5 carried out in the presence of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, p-toluenesulphonic, phosphoric, formic, acetic, maleic, thiocyanic and oxalic acids.
 12. A process according to claim 5 wherein 0.1 to 0.5 mole acid in excess of the quantity required to neutralize the bases formed from one mole of aziridine is present.
 13. A process according to claim 5 wherein the medium is aqueous or a mixed aqueous organic solvent, and a temperature between 80* and 120*C is maintained for a period between 2 and 4 hours.
 14. A process according to claim 1 for the preparation of 2-imino-3-(2''-phenylethyl)thiazolidine or 2-imino-3-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)thiazolidine comprising treating an aqueous acidic solution of thiourea with 1-(2''-phenylethyl)aziridine or 1-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)aziridine at a temperature between -10*C and 50*C, subsequently heating to refluxing temperature and recovering said product.
 15. A process according to claim 1 using thiocyanic acid wherein the temperature is maintained between -10* and 50*C over an initial period of 5-60 minutes followed by raising the reaction temperature to between 60* and 180*C for a period in excess of one quarter hour.
 16. A process according to claim 15 wherein the heating period is 1/4 to 2 hours.
 17. A process according to claim 1 for the preparation of 2-imino-3-(2''-phenylethyl)thiazolidine or 2-imino-3-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)thiazolidine comprising treating an aqueous acidic solution of thiocyanic acid with 1-(2''-phenylethyl)aziridine or 1-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl) aziridine at a temperature between -10*C and 50*C, subsequently heating the refluxing temperature and recovering said product therefrom.
 18. A process according to claim 1 for preparing a thiazolidine selected from the group consisting of 2-imino-3-(2''-phenylethyl)-thiazolidine, 2-imino-3-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)thiazolidine and acid addition salts thereof, comprising reacting, in an acidic solution, thiocyanic acid with 1-(2''-phenylethyl)aziridine or 1-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)aziridine.
 19. A process according to claim 18 wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, having one to five carbons, acetone, dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl-formamide, glycolmonoacetate and supholane, and the thiazolidine is recovered therefrom.
 20. A process of preparing an acid addition salt of 2-imino-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)thiazolidine according to claim 19 which comprises reacting 1-(2''-hydroxy-2''-phenylethyl)aziridine with thiocyanic acid in an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols having one to five carbons, acetone, dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, glycolmonoacetate and sulpholane; and in the presence of a quantity of acid which is at least equivalent to the bases formed in the reaction.
 21. A process according to claim 20 for preparing the hydrochloride addition salt wherein 0.1 to 0.5 mol hydrochloric acid in excess of the quantity required to neutralize the bases formed from one mole of the aziridine is present. 